The 6 Best Budget Family Ski Resorts in France in 2026

Last Updated on 14 January 2026

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Are you dreaming of a snowy escape this ski season without breaking the bank? I know we are. Thankfully, you can find some amazing budget family ski resorts in France that are perfect for this. Some of the resorts listed we’ve been to, others I’ve researched or found out from friends and family who’ve been there.

If you’re looking for your next budget-friendly winter getaways, then I’ve got your covered. I’ll show you how you can enjoy the French Alps with your family on a sensible budget, along with the different types of affordable accommodation options, family-friendly activities, and ways you can save money on your ski holiday.

Let’s read on to find out more!

A family skiing together, looking at the mountain at the top of a run. Budget family ski resorts in France. — Photo by Piotr Figlarz on Unsplash

The 6 Best Budget Family Ski Resorts in France

1. Sainte Foy Tarentaise

If you want the charm of the French Alps that’s in an unspoilt ski area, Sainte Foy Tarentaise is a hidden gem. While it’s smaller than some of the bigger name resorts, it has a decent number of runs for every ski level, while giving a relaxed pace that’s ideal for families.

Pistes: 43km: 2 green runs, 7 blue runs, 12 red runs and 4 black runs
Accommodation: Cosy self-catering apartments and chalets, many ski-in/ski-out. Family-run hotels with hearty breakfasts
Après-ski: Low-key, but lovely. If you’re after a quiet and cosy après-ski, then Sainte Foy Tarentaise is the place to check out
Food/drink: Coffee €2.50, pizza €10–€12, beer €5. Supermarket in the village for easy self-catering
Lift pass: Around €270 for 6-7 days (adult); kids under 8 ski free with a paying adult

Good to Know: Book early for the best apartment deals. Sainte Foy is small and the best spots go fast. Ski schools here are fantastic with nervous kids and English is widely spoken.

2. Super Besse

Skiing in the Alps on a snow-covered mountain. Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash — Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

If you’re searching for a sun-kissed ski resort in France that’s great for families, then Super Besse is another great choice. We’ve been here a few times and have never been disappointed. Offering a low-cost ski holiday for the family, it delivers skiing for all levels between 1350m to 1850m.

Pistes: 43km: 6 green slopes, 12 blue, 9 red, and 5 black runs. It also has a freepark, snowboard cross, freestyle-jump area, and one speed skiing slope
Accommodation: Good-value hotels and family apartments
Après-ski: Ice skating, indoor pool, snowshoeing, and family-friendly sledging runs
Food/drink: Hot chocolate €2.50, meals out from €12, beer €4–€5
Lift pass: About €232 for 6 days (adult); under-5s ski free

Top Tip: Look for family packages that bundle passes, lessons, and gear hire. This often works out cheaper than booking separately.

3. La Joue du Loup

Nestled in the French Alps, La Joue du Loup is a hidden treasure for budget family ski resorts in France that’s part of the bigger Dévoluy ski area. The resort sits at 1470m, but can reach heights of 2500m, so you can be sure of good snow conditions. With 100km of pistes to explore, thanks to its connection to Dévoluy, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Pistes: 100km (shared with Superdévoluy), with plenty of blues, greens, and reds
Accommodation: Wooden chalets and self-catering apartments, many with doorstep skiing
Après-ski: Sledging hills, snowshoe trails, and a small, but lively village centre
Food/drink: Pizza €9, coffee €2, beer €4.50, and a supermarket for self-catering
Lift pass: Around €244 for 7 days (adult); children under the age of 5 go free

Good to Know: The village is compact, making it perfect for families with little ones to wander. Book a chalet with a wood burner for the full Alpine experience.

4. Le Grand Bornand

Skiing in Le Grand Bornand with the sun setting behind the mountain. Photo by Ambre Le Lohé on Unsplash — Photo by Ambre Le Lohé on Unsplash

Set in the heart of the Aravis mountains, Le Grand Bornand is a firm favourite for family ski holidays in France, including ours. We went here a few years ago with our children who loved everything about it, in particular the lovely long green and blue runs.

As part of the Aravis ski area, it shares 210km of pistes with the resorts of La Clusaz, La Sambuy-Seythenex, Manigod, and Saint Jean de Sixt connected. It’s a great resort for skiing with kids, thanks to its Famille Plus Montagne label, recognised for its family-friendly activities.

Pistes: 90km: 14 green, 16 blue, 14 red, and 5 black runs
Accommodation: Cosy chalets and apartments, many with mountain views and easy lift access
Après-ski: Family events, cheese tastings, heated pool, and a weekly market
Food/drink: Local cheese dishes from €12, beer €5, coffee €2.50
Lift pass: €245 for 6 days (adult)

Top Tip: Book in September for early bird deals and to get the best accommodation at affordable prices.

5. La Norma

Situated in the heart of the Savoyard French Alps is La Norma, which makes it on our list of budget family ski resorts in France. Compact and super friendly, La Norma is a great spot for families with young children or those new to skiing.

From 1350m to 2750m, La Norma, which is dominated by the Norma Mountain, has 65km of ski runs, providing a good amount of coverage for snow enthusiasts to enjoy. Some friends of ours went to La Norma last season and said there was plenty of snow coverage. They also enjoyed taking part in a toboggan run and some floodlit night skiing.

Pistes: 65km, mostly greens and blues, plus a few reds for the adventurous
Accommodation: Self-catering apartments and chalets, many ski-in/ski-out
Après-ski: Night sledging, marshmallow toasting, and weekly family events
Food/drink: Crêpes and pizzas from €8, beer €4–€5, with a handy supermarket in the village
Lift pass: About €255 for 7 days (adult); children born in 2021 and after go free

Top Tip: Visit outside February half-term for the best deals. We saved over €250 by shifting our trip by a week.

6. Les Orres

Snow-covered mountains in Les Orres. Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash — Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash

Set in the heart of a beautiful larch forest in the Southern Alps, Les Orres is a great ski resort if you want to go skiing with kids in France. As part of our budget family ski resorts in France list, Les Orres offers incredible skiing opportunities among the 100km of pistes runs available.

With three levels to Les Orres, Les Orres 1550, Les Orres 1650, and Les Orres 1800, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We explored all three areas, and were treated to amazing views of the mountain and the Hautes-Alpes region. There were also a few lovely green and blue runs that are children enjoyed skiing on.

Pistes: 100km: 9 green, 5 blue, 17 red, and 5 black runs
Accommodation: Spacious, modern apartments and family hotels
Après-ski: Sledging, kids’ club, snowman-building contests, and a small skating rink. There are two toboggan areas at 1650 & 1800
Food/drink: Pizza €9, beer €4.50, supermarket prices are fair
Lift pass: €259 for 7 days (adult); under 5s go free

Good to Know: As with all the ski resorts listed, seniors get discounted prices as well if they are 65 and older. Bring proof of age to receive this at the ticket office.

Affordable Accommodation Options

Finding the right place to stay at budget family ski resorts in France can make or break your trip, and your bank balance.

Over the years, we’ve tried everything from basic self-catering ski apartments to splurging on a family-run chalet. For us, self-catering is the best value. You can visit the local supermarket, get the supplies you need, and cook whatever you want in your own kitchen, which is handy for fussy eaters or late-night snacks. Plus, you’re not tied to expensive restaurant meals.

Chalets are perfect for groups, and many come with drying rooms for your gear. If you prefer a bit more service, many resorts offer family hotels with breakfast included or even half-board deals, which is great for those who want less fuss in the mornings. If you don’t eat or require something made, you’ll need to request this when you check-in, so they can prepare this for you in time for breakfast or dinner.

Tips for Booking Early and Securing Deals: Book as soon as you can, especially if you want to travel during the school holidays. Look for ski deals in France that bundle accommodation with passes or gear rental for more savings.

Saving Money on Your Ski Holiday

A money pot with coins inside and a little green plant growing. Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash — Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash

Skiing isn’t cheap, but there are loads of ways to make budget family ski resorts in France work for you. The biggest trick for us is timing. If you can, avoid February half-term and Easter with high prices. We’ve found some great deals on the cheapest places to ski in Europe by going in January or toward the end of the season in April.

Package Deals and Inclusive Offers

Look for all-inclusive ski holidays or packages that include accommodation, lift passes, and sometimes even lessons. Resorts love to fill empty beds, so last-minute deals can be amazing if you’re flexible. With package holidays, you get transfers to and from the airport to your ski resort, which is ideal if you’ve got loads of bags and children to watch.

Renting vs. Buying Ski Equipment

Unless you ski every year, renting is almost always cheaper. We sometimes manage a few ski trips a year and still rent ski equipment for our girls. They’re feet are still growing and I see little point in buying boots that might not fit for very long.

Most resorts offer discounts if you book the gear you online ahead of time. If you do want to buy, try the end-of-season sales for bargains. That’s when I got a few of our ski helmets and helped me save around €300.

Final Thoughts on Budget Family Ski Resorts in France

Researching budget family ski resorts in France is possible with the right planning. By choosing the right ski location, booking smart, and focusing on value, you can enjoy a magical winter holiday without overspending.

We’ve done plenty of ski trips on a budget and have had a great time. I think for many people who’ve never done it before, they consider any type of winter snow sport to be expensive, and it can get expensive, but there are plenty of resorts you can go that don’t require a mortgage.

Hopefully, this article has given you a better idea as to the budget family ski resorts in France to check out before your next adventure.

For more outdoor inspiration, check out our related guides:

Happy skiing!

Have you found this budget family ski resorts in France guide useful? Are you going skiing this season? Have you been to France before? What did you think of the resorts you visited? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The 6 Best Budget Family Ski Resorts in France in 2026